U.S. to Sell UHF SATCOM Radio Systems to NATO

The U.S. State Department today approved a Foreign Military Sale to the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) of UHF SATCOM Radio Systems and related equipment for an estimated cost of $65 million.

The NCIA has requested to buy 517 AN/PRC-158 Manpack UHF SATCOM radio systems.  The prime contractor will be Collins Aerospace.

Also included in the deal are crypto fill devices, man-portable ancillaries, vehicular ancillaries, deployed Headquarter ancillaries, power support, and operator and maintenance training, and other related elements of program, technical and logistics support, Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a release.

This proposed sale will ensure NATO warfighters have access to the latest C3I systems and technologies, and will be interoperable with U.S. forces.  An updated UHF TACSAT radios in the hands of NATO allies and partners will offer significant C3I capabilities at all echelons, from the operational level down to the lowest small unit tactical formation.  These capabilities increase secure communication effectiveness and efficiency and enhance military decision making.  NCIA will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.